UEL students receive careers talk from BPS vice-president

Jamie Hacker Hughes visits UEL's Stratford campus

The Vice-President of the British Psychological Society had some important career advice for psychology students when he paid a visit to the University of East London (UEL) this week.

“The first step is getting a good degree,” said Professor Jamie Hacker Hughes, “and one that is recognised by the BPS.”

Fortunately, all of UEL’s psychology courses are fully accredited by the BPS and the University works closely with the Society in developing its programmes.

The BPS is the professional body to which all UK psychologists must belong in order to become chartered.

During an hour-long talk at UEL’s Stratford campus, Professor Hughes discussed the process of obtaining chartered status and the different career paths open to would-be psychologists.

He explained the ten areas of psychology represented by the BPS, all leading to different careers: sport and exercise; occupational; neuro; health; forensic; educational; counselling; clinical; cognitive; and research & academic.

Professor Hacker Hughes is a previous president of the BPS – a post that is held for one year. He is a consultant clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and clinical neuropsychologist.

His career includes 12 years as a consultant clinical psychologist with the Ministry of Defence, becoming Head of Defence Clinical Psychology and travelling widely to operational areas including Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Professor Hacker Hughes was invited to UEL by Professor Rachel Tribe, who said, “It was a pleasure and a privilege for the School of Psychology to host such an important guest this week. I think our students benefited greatly from Professor Hacker Hughes’ talk.

"His visit highlights UEL’s on-going working relationship with the BPS. This offers our students opportunities to formulate market–relevant career goals as part of their studies and to consider widening the role of psychological expertise within the public service arena, private enterprise and community-based civic engagement and social justice initiatives.”